With traditional music sales of CDs plummeting, music labels are looking for alternate revenue streams. While record labels see higher profit margins from physical media sales like CDs, the huge volume of sales that digital downloads can deliver may offset the lower profit margins.

According to a new study from research firm eMarketer, traditional music sales will continue to decline, but online and mobile music sales will grow rapidly. As faster mobile networks are introduced around the country, digital music downloads will become faster and easier for users to purchase.

The report predicts that by 2011, mobile music sales will be a $7.3 billion business. In 2007, mobile music sales amounted to $1.7 billion and by the end of the year sales are predicted to total about $3 billion. In 2009 the number is expected to hit $4.8 billion and by 2010 the mobile music industry will be worth $6.2 billion.

Despite the huge growth to be seen in the mobile music market, Information Week reports that the music industry expects to see a decline in music sales of about $5 billion. The report includes master recording ring tones, full-track audio downloads, ringback tones, music video downloads and streaming services in the predicted market worth.

There are many mobile services looking to cash in on the massive growth expected for mobile music downloads. Apple’s iTunes music download service is currently the top digital music retailer and Apple has said it plans to enter the mobile music market with ring tones and more.

"If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1,200 bucks for it." -- SCEA President Jack Tretton